Page 4 - Caring for guinea pigs indoors

Fun facts about Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are
unique creatures

with loads of
character. Each
guinea pig has a

different personality,
just like humans.
Some are friendly,
and some are shy.

Some like a cuddle
and some are quite
independent.

Guinea pigs are very social animals, so some pet stores only sell them in pairs.
Sometimes guinea pigs might not get along with each other because of their
different characters. It’s useful to bond guinea pigs from a young age so that

they get used to one another. In the wild, guinea pigs live in herds, so they
naturally find friends among the herd.

Guinea pigs love to dart around and hop up into the air. This jumping action is

called popcorning. When guinea pigs are happy, they popcorn and make lots of
sounds. The sounds they make include wheeking, purring, teeth chattering and
even chirping like a bird. Listen to the different sounds guinea pigs make, and
what they possibly mean.

On average guinea pigs live about four to eight years. They originate from
South America. When they’re born, they can walk, and they have teeth which
keep growing throughout their lives. Chew toys help prevent their teeth from

growing too long.

Guinea pigs get their name from the county Guyana and their short fat piggish
appearance. Guinea pigs are from the rodent family and are also called cavies.
The cavy or Cavia Porcellus is a mammal that sleeps for short periods

throughout the day and night.

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